On busy roads and streets, you often see cars parked near pavements. Do you know if it is legal or not? Therefore, to protect pedestrians and manage space, higher authorities set clear pavement parking rules.
We have explained pavement parking, its rules, signs and fines in this article. You will also learn where parking is allowed or not allowed. Let’s understand this in a simple and easy guide.
What is Pavement Parking?
Pavement parking (footpath parking or sidewalk parking) is the procedure in which you stop your vehicle on the pavement of the road. Basically, you take away the space that is designated for people to walk safely.
These areas are designed for pedestrians, not for cars or bikes. Pavement parking also creates safety risks for children, elderly people, pedestrians and wheelchair users.
Parking Partially on Pavement
Parking partially on pavement means your vehicle stays partly on the footpath and partly on the road. Actually, drivers often do this to save road space or avoid blocking traffic. However, this still reduces the walking area for pedestrians. Furthermore, it also creates confusion for vehicles on the roads.
No Pavement Parking Sign
A no pavement parking sign shows that you must not park on the pavement. It represents a car symbol with a part of the vehicle on the pavement. A red circle and red line cross the symbol to show restriction. In this way, it clearly warns you that parking on the pavement is not allowed.
If you ignore this sign, you may face fines or penalties. You can see this sign in busy streets, residential areas, intersections and near crossings. Some signs also show symbols or text to explain local parking rules.
Pavement Parking Sign
A pavement parking sign informs you that parking on the pavement is allowed in this area. Actually, it shows permission under specific road rules. But you should still leave enough space for people to walk.
Commonly, you may find this sign on narrow streets and less busy roads. Basically, local councils place these signs where roadside space is limited. The sign shows only a car symbol on the pavement.
Pavement Parking Rules (Parking on Footpaths Law)
Well, pavement parking rules are made to stop you to park or drive onto the pavement. Actually, these rules are enforced to protect pedestrians and those with disabilities or pushchairs. The local government or council of your area sets these rules for you. Basically, the regulations are made according to the traffic volume and pedestrians on a specific road.
But in some areas like London & Scotland, it is strictly banned. On the other hand, elsewhere it is advisory unless signs or lines allow it. Furthermore, there are some exceptions for emergencies or when signs permit it. But still as a driver you must leave enough space for people to walk.
Pavement Parking Bill or Pavement Parking Laws UK
Parking on the pavement may look easy on narrow streets. But it can lead to a fine, depending on your location. In London, Rule 244 of the Highway Code is strict. You must not park on the pavement at all.
When you are outside London, rules become more flexible. Still, you should not park on the pavement where it blocks people from walking. In case of heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, you must not park on pavements. You may do so only for loading and unloading. And when the sign allows you.
Pavement Parking Fine / Sidewalk Parking Ticket
When you park on no pavement parking area, fines do not stay the same everywhere. The fine amount depends on who issues the notice. For example police, DVSA or local councils may have different fines.
Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN): This notice is issued by the police or DVSA. It applies to serious pavement parking offences. The fine can be up to £200. This amount may vary according to the area.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN): Local councils provide you PCN notice. Basically, you get it in areas with specific parking restrictions. The fine ranges from £50 to £100. Moreover, you must pay it within 28 days. Some councils offer a discount if you pay within 14 days.
Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ): A CPZ is an area with strict parking rules. If you park in such a place it can result in a PCN too. Therefore, you should follow signs and road markings that tell you where parking is allowed or restricted.
How To Stop Cars Parking on Pavements?
There are several ways to stop cars from parking on pavements. Some of the equipment that you can use to fulfill this aim are;
Bollards: These are short posts installed along the pavement edge. They stop vehicles from entering but allow pedestrians to walk safely.
Painted Lines: You may see lines near the pavement, actually, these lines tell you where parking is prohibited. You can use these lines to inform users about prohibition.
Pavement Marking Tape: Marking tapes can be used instead of paints. Because permanent pavement marking tape when you want marking for a long time. On the other hand, removable pavement marking tape is preferred in case of short time warnings.
Fence Panels: When you place fences around pavements they act as a physical barrier. Actually, they can block the way of vehicles.
Safety Barriers: You install raised kerbs or barriers to prevent cars from mounting on the pavement. Mostly, you find them in busy streets and shopping areas.
Enforcement Measures: Cameras or fines can discourage illegal parking. Because they remind you to keep pavements clear.
Wheel Stops: Wheel stops or parking blocks are used at the start of pavements. In this way, these tools prevent cars from rolling onto walking areas.
Pavement Signage: “No Pavement Parking” signs clearly show where parking is not allowed. So, you should install them to warn drivers.
What is Pavement Striping or Pavement Marking Paint?
You can call it pavement striping as well as line stripping on the sides of the roads. This is the process in which you use thermoplastic paint or reflective tapes. Actually, the aim is to create lines, symbols and markings to guide drivers.
Pavement Marking Meaning
You may see multiple lines on the pavement of the roads. For example edge line pavement markings, white pavement markings, raised pavement markings, crosswalk pavement markings. Well, these all markings are there to deliver you different messages. So, when you see the lines, drive according to them.
Conclusion
In the end, you have completely understood pavement parking and its related concepts. Keep in mind, you should not disturb roadwalker and disable persons on the road. Provide them proper space to walk safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Illegal to Park on the Pavement?
It is not illegal to stop your vehicle on the pavement until it blocks the way of wheelchairs, pram, buggy or pedestrians. But if there is any restriction board placed on the sides then you should not do this act.
Can I Park on the Pavement Outside My House?
Generally, it is not allowed if your house is near a busy or narrow road. But if your house is located near a wide road and less traffic volume appears here then you can park outside of your house.
